China executes 13 in Xinjiang for 'terrorist attacks'

Eight people were sentenced in connection with a car crash in Beijing's Tiananmen Square last October

China has executed 13 people in the western province of Xinjiang for "terrorist attacks", state media say.

The 13 - who reportedly include Muslim ethnic Uighurs - were accused over seven cases including attacks in June 2013 that killed 24 people.

It comes as three other men - who reports say also appear to be Uighurs - were sentenced over a fatal car crash in Beijing last year.

Beijing has blamed Uighur groups for several attacks across the country.

'Attacks on police'

Those executed on Monday had been charged with crimes including "participating in terrorist groups; murder; arson; theft; and illegal manufacture, storage and transportation of explosives", state-run news agency Xinhua said.

The report named three defendants who were convicted of attacking a police station, hotel, government building and other venues in Lukqun, Xinjiang province, on 26 June.